Academic Credit

Students can earn up to 18 university credits through Canadian Mennonite University. For more information, see University Credit on our website.

6. Are the credits transferable to other colleges and universities?

Yes, but as is always the case with transferring credits between schools, the final decision will be up to the university that you want to transfer to.

7. Is it guaranteed that every Outtatown student will receive the credits?

No. Students must complete all assignments and put forth a satisfactory effort in the program to receive all credits. In addition, students must meet CMU Shaftesbury Campus Admissions Requirements in order to receive the university credits.

8. What do I graduate with?

All students receive a certificate for completing the year. An official CMU transcript will be available to students as long as they meet CMU Shaftesbury Campus Admissions Requirements based on a final high school transcript. Students who do not meet CMU Main Campus admission requirements will receive an Outtatown Credit Certificate, but will not be eligible for an official CMU transcript.

Cost of the Program

Food, accommodations, books, tuition, and travel with your site during the semester, many adventure activities, community events, museums, tours and cultural events.

The cost of your flight to your international location (Guatemala or South Africa or Paris & Burkina Faso) and your trip cancellation insurance will be provided to you prior to the start of first semester and will be added to your semester billing in First (Burkina Faso students) or Second semester (Guatemala & South Africa students).

11. What is not covered?

Health insurance, vaccinations, travel to and from Winnipeg each semester, spending money, some optional adventure activities, internet café use, and laundry. When students are on homestay weekends, or choose to go off-site during free time, their activities, meals and travel are not covered.

12. Will I need to purchase any special equipment?

Students will need a sleeping bag, compact air mattress and large travel backpack. Some other items are recommended, but not required. For more information, see our "Student Resources" section which outlines more specific packing needs.

Yes. Many chuches have programs in place to support students who are studying at Christian educational institutes or those who are involved in missions & services projects. We encourage our students to approach the leadership at their church to inquire about the possibility of financial support.

Faith

CMU (and Outtatown) were formed by several Mennonite denominations, mainly Mennonite Church Canada and the Manitoba Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Read more about CMU's Story.

18. Do I need to be a Christian to go on Outtatown?

No. However, Outtatown is a faith-based program, guided by Christian principles and ethics. The majority of the year is focused on learning more about what it means to follow Christ and looking at the world through a Christian worldview. Students who do not call themselves Christians are welcome, but are asked to come with an open mind and a willingness to participate and learn about Christian perspectives.

19. Can I go on Outtatown if I am not Mennonite?

Yes. Our students represent a wide variety of Christian denominations from across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

20. I grew up in a Christian home, but I am unsure of what I believe. Can I still go on Outtatown?

Absolutely. The Outtatown program is designed to give students an opportunity to explore faith, doubts, traditions, community, the Bible, and what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. As long as students come with a good attitude, a commitment to abide by the guidelines of the program, and an openness to explore Christian faith, they are welcome.

Community Life

21. What kind of accommodations will we stay in?

Throughout your time on Outtatown you will stay in a variety of accommodations including: tents, hostels, camps, retreat centers, church floors, under the stars, and maybe in a cave or on top of a mountain.

22. Will I get my own room?

Probably not. Most times you will be sharing a room with 3-9 other students.

23. Will I have telephone and email access throughout the year?

Most places we stay have pay phones and either wireless internet hotspots or an internet café nearby.

24. Do I get free time?

An appropriate amount of free afternoons, evenings and weekends are built into the schedule to allow time for rest, doing assignments, and for opportunities to take advantage of activities available at a particular location.

25. Can I bring a laptop or cell phone?

Yes. Students are invited to bring these items along if they can use them in a healthy way to keep in touch with friends and family. However, if having these items along would create a distraction enable an unhealthy attachment to people back home, we would encourage students to leave these items behind in order to be fully present in the Outtatown community.

"When you sign up for Outtatown, expect to be challenged beyond your expectations, to overcome your fears but even more importantly to understand the heart of God that will lead you to understand your own."